Surname MacSheehy - Meaning and Origin
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MacSheehy: What does the surname MacSheehy mean?
The last name MacSheehy is an Irish surname. It is of Gaelic origin and is an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac an tSíthigh, which translates to “son of the peaceable one”. Historically, the name is derived from ancient Irish chieftains, the Mac an tSíthighs of County Limerick.
MacSheehy's are often associated with the Aran Islands, the rural western part of the Ireland’s south-west coast. While the surname MacSheehy is not one of the most common surnames found on the Aran Islands, there are still a few families residing there.
The Irish folklore associated with the surname is quite interesting. According to legend, the MacSheehy name came from a 12th-century warrior of the Ó Conchobhair clan. He had a particularly pacifist manner, and to honor him, his name was changed to Mac an tSíthigh, meaning "son of the peaceable one”.
The proud and honorable MacSheehy name is one of the oldest Irish surnames and carries with it a unique history. In a world full of instability, those with the MacSheehy name are descendants of a proud, resilient and noble heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMacSheehy: Where does the name MacSheehy come from?
The MacSheehy surname is most commonly found in Ireland, however, it is also found in many countries around the world. In Ireland, the surname is found mainly in the counties of Clare, Cork, and Kerry in the south and west of the country. In the United Kingdom, most MacSheehy families are found in southwestern Scotland and parts of northern England. In the United States, the surname is found mainly in the states of New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. It is also found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The MacSheehy surname is thought to be of Irish Gaelic origin and derived from the Irish mac an tSheeigh. This name translates to "son of the advocate" or "son of the storyteller" and indicates that the family originally belonged to a professional clan or sept.
In Irish history, the MacSheehy sept was part of the Ui Beolain, a clan that originated in County Cork. They fought alongside the O'Kindleys during the Cromwellian conquest in the 17th century and are recorded in the journals of Hugh O'Donovan and William O'Grady. In the 19th century, the MacSheehy family held a number of prominent positions in the Gaelic League and were involved in the struggle for Irish independence.
Today, the MacSheehy surname is still common in Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries across the world. It is especially popular in Ireland and is associated with the O'Kelly family. MacSheehy families around the world continue to honor their Irish heritage and proudly share their family legacy.
Variations of the surname MacSheehy
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacSheehy are MacSheehee, MacSkehee, MacSkehe, MacSheeh, MacSkehey, MacShehee and MacKehee. These variations of MacSheehy are all derived from two similar ancient Gaelic surnames, Mac Sheachaidh and Mac Eachaidh, both of which originated in Ireland.
Mac Sheachaidh is generally regarded as the older of the two surnames and is derived from the Gaelic “Mac Sheachaidh” meaning “son of the searcher.” According to some, its original form was “Mac Shechaidh na taobh” meaning “son of the searcher of the side.” It is believed that this surname referred to an ancient family coming from the side of a royal court.
Similarly, the surname Mac Eachaidh is derived from the Gaelic “Mac Eachaidh” meaning “son of the horseman” or “son of the rider.” This surname likely indicated prosperity and wealth as the ability to own a horse was reserved for only the wealthy members of society.
Alternatively, some sources link MacSheehe to the Irish surname McKeogh, meaning “son of the gracious one.”
The numerous variations of MacSheehy all contain different factors of the original Gaelic names and carry their own unique meanings that distinguish their bearers from the rest. As such, it is no surprise that this surname has been spelled in various forms over the centuries.
Famous people with the name MacSheehy
- Brian MacSheehy: Irish sports reporter and journalist.
- Declan MacSheehy: Irish actor, who is well-known for his role in the television series “Shameless.”
- John E. MacSheehy: An Irish-American politician, who served in the New York State Senate.
- Michael MacSheehy: Irish singer and songwriter.
- Michael J. MacSheehy: American attorney, who served as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.
- Padric MacSheehy: Irish poet, playwright, and theatrical producer.
- Richard MacSheehy: Irish politician, who was the Chief Whip for Fine Gael and a Minister of State.
- Shane MacSheehy: Irish footballer, who played for Shamrock Rovers F.C.
- Denny MacSheehy: Irish former footballer, who played for Bohemian F.C.
- Colm MacSheehy: Irish former footballer, who played for Galway United F.C.